What happens when you say yes to God… even when it means giving up your own dreams? In this powerful episode of Heroic Stories, Gil Alderete opens up about his unexpected journey from UPS driver to president of Catholic Men's Fellowship of California. Gil shares how God redirected his life, pulling him away from his plans to become a deacon and into building ministry for men across California, Nevada, Hawaii, and beyond.But Gil’s story isn’t just about leadership—it’s about healing old wounds, breaking generational cycles, and discovering what real masculinity and faith look like when you surrender. You’ll hear how heroic mentors, humble beginnings, and even deep struggles with identity shaped him into the man God called him to be.If you’ve ever felt lost, doubted your calling, or wondered how to find your purpose, Gil’s raw, honest journey will remind you: heroism isn’t born, it’s made.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook:   / heroicmanhood  Instagram:   / heroicmanhood  TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Welcome to Heroic Stories3:00 – Starting Men's Ministry at Home6:00 – God Changed My Diaconate Plans9:00 – Letting Go of Old Dreams12:00 – Building Parish Brotherhood15:00 – My Wife's Heroic Faith18:00 – Father Michael's Impact21:00 – Returning to the Catholic Faith25:00 – Deepest, Darkest Moment30:00 – Healing Father Wounds35:00 – Embracing the Cross Daily40:00 – Who I Want to Be a Hero For

What if the path to heroism didn’t start with strength—but with panic?

In The Hero’s Journey That Started with Anxiety, we follow Nick Pierlot, a Catholic husband, father, and missionary, as he walks us through his darkest hour: a breakdown on a spiritual pilgrimage. In the face of crippling panic attacks, emotional repression, and a crisis of identity, Nick uncovers an unexpected truth—heroism begins not with power, but with surrender. From battling inner dragons to chopping down literal god-trees, from failing forward to forming unshakable faith, this episode is a raw, honest deep dive into how God makes men heroic. It’s not about being the hero—it’s about letting God be one in you.

#anxiety #panicattack #heroic #catholicmen #catholic #saints

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Real stories of heroic faith

3:00 – Story of St. Boniface begins

6:00 – Chopping down Thor’s oak tree

9:00 – Hobbit heroism: small brave acts

12:00 – Chaos vs. sacred order

15:00 – Personal journey starts with anxiety

18:00 – Panic attacks on pilgrimage

21:00 – 9 months of daily panic

24:00 – The Father speaks after suffering

27:00 – The blue snake moment

30:00 – Called to help head meet heart

33:00 – Young men and the pain of honor

36:00 – Evangelization as one beggar to another

39:00 – The dragon is where God knocks

42:00 – Head, heart, and hands in mission

What if the day you lost your father was the day you became one? In this moving episode of Heroic Stories, Jay Wonacott opens up about the most painful turning point of his life—the sudden death of his dad—and how that loss became the moment he had to grow up, take responsibility, and lead with heart.From tearful hospital visits and lucid dreams to finding spiritual strength in daily prayer and brotherhood, Jay shares how his father’s legacy became his compass. He reveals how real heroism isn’t found in grand gestures, but in showing up for your family, doing the hard emotional work, and learning how to integrate mind, heart, and soul.If you've ever felt crushed by grief, unsure of how to step into leadership, or like you’re still waiting for someone to show you the way—this story is for you. Jay’s story is a roadmap for turning loss into legacy and fear into fortitude.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Real stories of heroic grit3:00 – Called to serve Idaho families6:00 – George Washington’s reluctant leadership9:00 – Fortitude through adversity12:00 – My father’s legacy of presence15:00 – My brother’s honest heroism18:00 – Daily rosary, inspired by my father-in-law21:00 – Uncle Ed: stripes on the bridge24:00 – Extraordinary things, ordinary ways27:00 – Dream: 'My hands are clean now'30:00 – Surviving my wife’s heart failure36:00 – Becoming the father, not just the son

Politics, Concentration Camps, & St Catherine of Sienna? What do a medieval saint and a concentration camp survivor have to say to a modern man trying to do the right thing? A lot, it turns out. Deacon Eric Paige opens up about his own turning point—from a fast track in politics to a life of faith and service. He talks about why St. Catherine of Siena’s fierce love and clear calling speak so deeply to him, and how Viktor Frankl’s ability to find meaning in the worst darkness still lights the way today. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about trusting God enough to take the next step.For any man trying to show up for his family, his church, and himself—this is a story about courage, clarity, and how we keep going when the path isn’t clear.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook:   / heroicmanhood  Instagram:   / heroicmanhood  TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Heroic Stories3:20 – Why St. Catherine of Siena7:13 – Choosing faith over politics11:02 – Role in diaconal formation18:44 – When life feels overwhelming24:34 – Gladiator and favorite films28:04 – Hope in dark places29:15 – Serving deacons and dads33:32 – St. Michael Chaplet routine

What if everything in your life came down to a single choice—a leap of faith that took just 20 seconds of insane courage?In this fire-starter episode of Heroic Stories, Kevin Phillips of Made for Greatness shares how ancient poems, unsung war heroes, and his own bold decisions shaped a life of purpose. From the story of Horatius at the bridge to crawling through enemy territory in Vietnam, these are the stories that ignite something primal—and spiritual—in the hearts of men.Kevin opens up about burning the boats of his career to follow a call to ministry, the terrifying moment on a cliff that taught him to trust, and the deep, hidden strength it takes to fight for your family and faith. This is not about hype or hustle—it's about sacrifice, grit, and the kind of courage that leaves a legacy.Whether you’re stuck, doubting, or just hungry for meaning, this conversation will remind you: you were made for fire, not for dust.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Welcome to Heroic Stories1:01 – Horatius at the Bridge2:30 – Three Men vs. An Army4:03 – “Why Isn’t This a Movie?”5:31 – Dunamis: Divine Explosive Power7:01 – Vietnam War & MACV-SOG9:00 – Charles Wicklo’s Near-Death Escape11:22 – Founding Made for Greatness14:39 – Quitting the Knights of Columbus16:39 – Boats on Fire: No Plan B19:27 – Jumping Off a Cliff in Faith23:25 – Setting Men on Fire with God

What do you do when you're trained for war, but life hits harder than combat? Retired Green Beret Colonel Sean Berg reveals the battles that tested him far beyond the battlefield. From leading elite teams through 10 combat deployments with zero fatalities to facing the terrifying unraveling of his own daughter’s mental health, this is the story of a soldier forced to rely on more than tactics—he had to rely on faith. As Sean walks us through the darkest moments of his family’s life, he shows us what it means to be truly heroic: not in action, but in surrender, resilience, and purpose. You’ll hear about impossible decisions, gut-wrenching doubt, and the strength it takes to say "no" to glory in order to say "yes" to love. For every man questioning his worth, fighting unseen battles, or wondering where God is in the pain—this is the conversation that proves you're not alone, and you were made for more.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/TIMESTAMPS0:00 – What Makes a Hero1:00 – Intro to Sean's Story2:34 – Elite Warriors, High Stakes4:47 – “Troops in Contact” Call6:15 – Andre’s Life or Death Fight7:53 – Refusing to Quit9:57 – Brotherhood That Saves Lives13:07 – Hollywood vs Real Heroism16:05 – His Hardest Decision19:53 – When Your Daughter Wants to Die26:26 – Called to the Diaconate32:04 – Turning Down Power to Choose Love

This is the raw, powerful true story of Robert Tunmire, co-founder of Heroic Men, who went from the edge of destruction to a life of purpose and impact. At 16, Robert didn’t care if his future led to death or jail—until a chance meeting with a mentor changed everything. What follows is a story of redemption, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening.In this episode, you’ll hear how a man with no direction found his calling, built a business at 17, and eventually discovered that true strength comes not from doing it all, but from surrendering it all. From dealing with the pain of past mistakes—including the haunting regret of an abortion—to mentoring young men, Robert's story is proof that heroism isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, courage, and becoming the man someone else needs you to be.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicmanhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicmanhood/

What if everything you thought made you strong—your beliefs, your community, even your identity—suddenly became the very things holding you back? Dominic lived that question when choosing love meant losing his tribe, his home, and the only version of faith he had ever known. What followed was a decade-long deconstruction and reconstruction—through trauma, spiritual exile, and radical courage.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on one man’s darkest moment and the quiet grit that carried him through. From sleeping on chapel floors to leading a movement of Catholic men toward healing and brotherhood, Dominic’s story is raw, real, and relentlessly human. If you’ve ever wrestled with who you are, what you believe, or how to keep going when everything falls apart, this episode offers a glimpse into the kind of heroism that doesn’t come with applause—but might just change your life.

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Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.

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What if everything you thought was your purpose—your calling, your plans, your identity—suddenly unraveled? That’s what happened to Gabe when he left behind his dream of becoming a pastor, moved across the world, and found himself starting over with no roadmap, no money, and no clear direction.

In this raw and honest conversation, Gabe shares how he faced spiritual silence, identity confusion, and the pressure of being a young father while carrying the quiet weight of self-doubt. From the impact of It’s a Wonderful Life to finding unexpected strength in St. Joseph and Mother Teresa, he opens up about the struggle of showing up when you feel unseen, and the power of doing the next right thing.

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your path, or whether you’re making a difference at all, Gabe’s journey will remind you that heroism isn’t flashy—it’s forged in the quiet, unseen acts of love and courage.

| ABOUT HEROIC MEN |

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.

Website: https://heroicmen.org

Heroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/map

Join the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhood

Heroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.org

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What if your darkest moment wasn’t the end—but the beginning of something heroic?

In this raw and powerful episode, Chris shares how perfectionism nearly crushed his faith and mental health—and how one retreat cracked the door open to real healing. From growing up with a mechanical view of religion to battling self-harm in high school, Chris faced a silent storm of shame, isolation, and unmet expectations.

But through unexpected grace, genuine friendship, and one life-changing confession, he began to find freedom—not in fixing himself, but in being loved as he was. Now a father, he’s on a mission to model real heroism: not the flawless kind, but the kind that shows up, fails forward, and loves in silence. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing your way through life or faith, this story is for you.

| ABOUT HEROIC MEN |

Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform - let's leave no man behind.

Website: https://heroicmen.org

Heroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/map

Join the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhood

Heroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.org

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